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Prediction of worse outcome by systemic atherosclerosis following acute ischemic stroke

Kuo-Lun Huang1, Tsong-Hai Lee, Shan-Jin Ryu

  • 1Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.

Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
|August 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis, indicated by abnormal ankle-brachial index, carotid duplex, or ECG, is linked to poorer short-term outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients. These tests can help assess vascular burden and predict functional recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability.
  • Atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events, including stroke.
  • The relationship between systemic atherosclerosis and stroke outcomes requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between atherosclerosis markers and short-term functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
  • To evaluate the utility of ankle-brachial index (ABI), color-coded carotid duplex (CCD), and electrocardiography (ECG) in assessing atherosclerosis in stroke patients.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative measurements of ABI, CCD, and ECG were performed in acute ischemic stroke patients.
  • Prevalent cardiovascular disease (PCVD) was defined by abnormal findings in ABI, CCD, or ECG.
  • Functional outcome was assessed using the Barthel index (BI) at admission and discharge.

Main Results:

  • 19 out of 68 patients had prevalent cardiovascular disease (PCVD).
  • Patients with PCVD exhibited significantly worse Barthel index scores at discharge compared to those without PCVD.
  • A greater difference in BI between admission and discharge was observed in patients with PCVD.

Conclusions:

  • ABI, CCD, and ECG are practical quantitative measures for assessing atherosclerosis.
  • The presence of systemic atherosclerosis correlates with a higher vascular burden.
  • Systemic atherosclerosis is associated with worse short-term functional outcomes following acute ischemic stroke.
Abstract

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